Information for Frequently Asked Questions

Unicomp uses two different switch technologies in our products. The buckling spring (B/S) technology provides excellent tactile and acoustic feedback to the user and is the preferred technology used by high speed, high volume typists.

The buckling spring "Model M" keyboard, invented by IBM in the 80's; popularized by Lexmark in the early 90's; and manufactured by Unicomp for the past 20 years is regaining its status as one of the best keyboards in the market.

Your fingers will feel the difference with a buckling spring keyboard. Your typing accuracy will improve. The buckling spring key switch is design to record your keystroke at the precise instant that you feel the tactile change.

Standard rubberdome keyboards record the keystroke well after the tactile change is felt by your fingers. If you miss characters as you type and you know you pressed the key, that's why. If you've tried to enter a shifted character but it came out lower case, that's why. In fact most rubberdome keyboards require you to press the key all the way to the bottom. To compensate, many rubberdome users end up pounding the keys as they type. Ouch!

With the instantaneous nature of the buckling spring, your fingers can stop before the key hits bottom. Yes, the force required to press a buckling spring is a little higher than a rubberdome, but the low force over-travel period designed into the buckling spring allows your fingers to comfortably decelerate before hitting the key bottom. Ahhh!

While we specialize in making buckling spring keyboards, we do offer many of our models with a rubberdome (R/D) keyswitch for users who want the other benefits our products offer. Those include the robust design, integrated mouse devices, customized layouts and colors, and custom microcode. We call our rubberdome keyboards Quiet Touch(QT).

1) Shut down the computer and detach the keyboard connector before any cleaning procedure.
2) Do not use compressed air. Doing so can cause harmful debris to move into the keyswitch area of the keyboard. Use a vacuum to remove debris from between the keys.
3) Do not use liquids on the keyboard. We use windex applied first to a cloth and then used to clean the key tops.
4) For a more thorough cleaning, remove all of the keys and repeat steps 2 and 3.

To remove keys, place a small screwdriver under the front edge of the key and pry upward lightly. Be careful not to flip the key across the room when it comes free.

To install a key, rock the keyboard front to back so the spring pivots freely into the center of the chimney area. It doesn't have to be perfectly centered, just not touching any of the sides. At this point, place the stem of the key into the chimney with the spring riding up into the center of the stem. Press down until it snaps into place. Actuate the button and feel the tactile switch. If you don't feel the snap, remove the key and do it again.

You can remove the spacebar with a small screwdriver. Simply insert the screwdriver under the front edge ( the edge closest to you) and pry upward gently until the key pops free. Note there is a metal wire or bail attached to the back of the spacebar. Look at the chimney with the spring in it and make sure it is clear of debris.The spring needs to remain attached to the white pivot plate in the bottom of the chimney so use caution.

Now reassemble everything. The metal bail goes down behind the spacebar chimney and then slides away from you into 2 retaining tabs located under the C-V and <-> or N-M keys. As you are inserting the the stem of the spacebar into the chimney, be sure to have the spring positioned in the center of the stem. You may need to tilt the keyboard from front to back to get the spring to rest in the center of the chimney. Guide the stem into the chimney and press down until it snaps into place. It shouldn't take too much force.